Since 2012, the President of India travels in a heavily armoured black Mercedes Benz S600 (W221) Pullman Guard. The armour is designed to protect against military rifle shots, bomb shrapnels and other explosives.

The Beast, based on a Cadillac DTS, is the first Presidential limousine not to have a specific model name.

Obama is the first US President to be chief guest at India’s Republic Day parade.